New list of liquor licenses in Anoka approved

Changes at two existing Anoka establishments and the opening of a new one brought a series of liquor licenses before the Anoka City Council for approval.

Coyote Sands

The council approved three sets of liquor licenses last Monday, including an on-sale intoxicating liquor license and permission to stay open until 2 a.m. and serve on Sunday for Coyote Sands.

This restaurant is moving in the currently vacant building on East River Road long known as Frisky’s, which closed more than two years ago.

“These are the same three licenses the previous owner held,” said City Clerk Amy Oehlers.

During a public hearing Anoka resident Frank Bodine said he opposed the 2 a.m. liquor license, worrying it would create too much noise for the residential neighborhood nearby.

I don’t think its appropriate as a 2 a.m. closing, 1 a.m. fine, that’s pretty much standard,” said Bodine.

The licenses for Coyote Sands were unanimously approved.

According to Wayne Senior, one of the restaurant’s owners, Coyote Sands is scheduled to open in a month.

While Senior had received a conditional use permit for the building to be used as a restaurant earlier this year, opening the restaurant has been delayed because of other projects in which he is involved, as well as multiple problems with the building that has been vacant for more than two years.

“I know the neighborhood is excited,” said Councilmember Mark Freeburg. “You’ve got a captive audience waiting for you to open.”

Senior said he is still finalizing the menu.

“There’s going to be a secret thing on the menu that is going to put Anoka on the map,” he said.

Dunn Bros.

At Dunn Bros. Coffee on Highway 47, the franchise now has permission to serve both wine and strong beer.

According to Oehlers, with this particular license that includes strong beer, at least 60 percent of an establishment’s sales must be for food.

Under state law coffee is classified as a food, Oehlers said.

An establishment must submit those percentage totals after 12 months of operating with the license.

“There are two other Dunn Bros. in the state of Minnesota are doing it,” said Manager Anthony Bell of the liquor sales at the coffee shop chain. Neither have had any problems meeting the state’s threshold of 60 percent food sales, he said.

“We’re a different kind of coffee shop,” said Bell.

The licenses had the full support of the council.

“I think this a marvelous idea and I can see it being wildly successful,” said Councilmember Jeff Weaver.

MaGillycuddy’s

With MaGillycuddy’s under new ownership, the council also had to approve a new set of liquor licenses.

The establishment at 2016 First Avenue received approval for an on-sale intoxicating liquor license, Sunday sales and a special 2 a.m. license.

Oehlers said under state law, when a bar is sold the new owner must reapply for the liquor licenses.

“We’re planning on keeping the place pretty much the same as it has been running,” said new owner Robert Young. “It’s the typical neighborhood Irish pub with standard American bar food.”

Young and his wife plan to handle the bartending duties. They have each been in the bar business for 20 years and have experience in bar management, said Young.

The annual cost for an on-sale intoxicating liquor license is $5,000, with an additional $200 for Sunday liquor as well as $500 for 2 a.m. Licenses are prorated.